HM X Balmain - 5 Reasons I Didn't Participate

I wrote this article two weeks ago, but decided not to post it because I didn't want to seem like a Debbie downer. After seeing multiple videos of females fighting over some damn polyester at H&M, I chose to share this article.

I will admit I was really excited about the whole Balmain and H&M collaboration, until I saw the official collection photos. Then I stumbled across the prices and thinking wtf. As much as I love collaborations, they are quite disappointing at times. I believe that this collaboration is one of the times I will not participate in for a few reasons. 

1. Quality 

Listen, I know I can’t expect the greatest quality, especially coming from H&M. They offer low prices and mid-grade quality clothing. Most of their shit is made from polyester and rayon, but they stay on trend and it’s a step up from Forever 21. 

From looking at the photos from the collection, most of the items looked like they wouldn’t make it past one stop at the dry cleaners. The fact is Balmain is a luxury brand with luxury fabric. The reason Oliver is able to provide such detail to his clothing is because they use the best. 

Now imagine Balmain trying to create the same details and structure, using polyester. I am only assuming, I won’t know until I can spot the collection. This jacket is screaming itchy at best.

2. Price

 First of all, the entire collection is overpriced. I know that Oliver needs to get his coins, but I really think everyone forgot that this is H&M. He did mention that he didn't want to downgrade the brand for this collaboration. H&M is known for its low prices and fast fashion. So, when they do a collaboration, they have to keep in mind who their audience is. 

I know I am already cheap, but the prices range from $40 to $800. You’re thinking “That’s not a bad price range”, until you find out the $40 is for a small velvet makeup bag. 

Once you pass up all the high priced knick knacks, you start getting into the actual clothing that starts at $90 for a blouse. Then jumps to $150 for a pair of pants and dress. Then everything else is $350 and up. Blazers, shirts, shoes, accessories. I just want to know, will the quality match the price?

3. Saturation

 I know that everyone and their mama would be standing in line for the collaboration, but it will be an eye sore on Instagram. My eyes are already rolling in the back of my head for every nude, green, and white matching outfits that I see on these females. 

Now imagine them all wearing these Balmain pieces. I think that is why I stress so much about putting together looks. I am trying my best to not wear the same thing that Kima, Keisha, and Pam have. 

I get it, we are our own people and wear it the way you would, etc. This isn’t going to be the case for this collection. This is probably the best collaboration since Lanvin and H&M. I just don’t know if I want to spend $400 on a blazer that every 5^th person will have. Especially if it isn’t a staple piece.  

4. Staple Pieces

 Which brings me to my next point about staple pieces. If you don’t have Beyoncé money, why are you spending $400 on a H&M polyester blazer that will be frowned upon by March?

I know that we set our own avenues, but aesthetic for this collection will wear off as soon as you go home and check your bank account. It might stick around long enough for a night out. At this point if you don’t plan on reselling the items on EBay, then I would spend my $400 on a Armani blazer or a Ralph Lauren bag. 

Or ask yourself, how many times can you wear this piece and to where?

5. Men’s Collection

 The good side about this collaboration is that the men’s collection looks better than the women’s. Especially in quality. They have more staple pieces and cheaper. Of course because men are not going to be the ones standing in line and fighting over blazers.. 

If you plan to attend the zoo show of shopping, then I suggest going in the direction of the men’s department. That is my personal advice. 

This is not an article to bash Balmain or H&M. Balmain is my top 5 fashion houses, but I also think the money spent won’t be worth it, in this collection. I cannot say for sure until I personally see the clothing articles, but looking at the photos, I am not really moved.

Some of the pieces are beautiful, I won't lie. Just not as beautiful as my bank account and sanity.

Did you shop the collection?

Images: Google